Archive Services Accreditation Scheme
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| Archive Services Accreditation Scheme | |
|---|---|
| Name | Archive Services Accreditation Scheme |
| Established | 2013 |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Administered by | The National Archives |
Archive Services Accreditation Scheme
The Archive Services Accreditation Scheme is a UK-based program administered by The National Archives in partnership with Arts Council England and Collections Trust that sets standards for publicly accessible archival repositories. It provides a framework for assessing collections stewardship, access provision and organisational sustainability used by local authorities such as Manchester City Council, cultural bodies like British Library, and university archives including University of Oxford and University of Cambridge. The scheme influences policy linked to funding bodies such as the National Lottery Heritage Fund and informs practice referenced by professional organisations including the Archives and Records Association.
Overview
The Scheme defines a set of measurable indicators covering documentation, preservation, access and governance to recognise archives that meet nationally agreed standards drawn from precedents such as the Memory of the World Programme, the Standards for Record Repositories (US) and the International Council on Archives. It is positioned alongside UK frameworks such as the Local Government Act 1972 records responsibilities, and complements sector initiatives led by Historic England, National Records of Scotland and National Library of Wales. Accredited status supports eligibility for grants from funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund and endorsement from bodies like Society of Archivists (UK).
History and development
Conceived after sector consultations involving stakeholders such as The National Archives (United Kingdom), Arts Council England and regional archives networks, the Scheme launched in the 2010s responding to pressures observed following reviews by Public Accounts Committee (UK) and cultural strategy papers from Department for Culture, Media and Sport. Its development referenced international practice from institutions such as the Library of Congress, the National Archives and Records Administration, and European standards emerging from the Council of Europe. Subsequent revisions have integrated guidance from incident reports involving collections at University of Manchester and disaster responses informed by collaborations with Museums Association and emergency planners at Cabinet Office (United Kingdom).
Accreditation standards and criteria
Criteria require demonstrable policies and procedures in collection care, risk management, public access and financial sustainability. Requirements echo professional guidance from the Archives and Records Association, technical norms exemplified by the Preservation Metadata: Implementation Strategies (PREMIS), and collections management practice from the American Alliance of Museums. Standards assess environmental control aligned with advice from Historic England and conservation priorities promoted by the Institute of Conservation. Governance expectations reference trustee responsibilities established by legislation such as the Charities Act 2011 for registered charitable institutions like Imperial War Museums and National Trust properties that hold archival material.
Application and assessment process
Applicants submit documentation of policies, procedures and evidence of practice, undergo remote evaluation and a site visit by assessors drawn from panels including experts from The National Archives (United Kingdom), university special collections at King's College London and regional services such as Greater Manchester Archives. The assessment follows stages similar to accreditation models used by Arts Council England and quality assurance systems used by the Higher Education Funding Council for England. Outcomes include full accreditation, conditional accreditation or recommendations for improvement; appeals processes engage independent panels with representation from bodies such as Museums Association and Archives and Records Association.
Governance and administration
Administration is overseen by a steering group comprising representatives from The National Archives (United Kingdom), Arts Council England, funders like the National Lottery Heritage Fund and professional bodies including the Archives and Records Association. Operational delivery draws on assessors and advisers from university archives such as University of Edinburgh, national institutions like the British Library and regional authorities including Leicestershire County Council. Policy alignment involves consultation with parliamentary and ministerial offices, reflecting accountability channels associated with the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Impact and reception
The Scheme has been credited with raising standards in repository care and access, influencing practice at county archives like Norfolk Record Office and municipal services such as Bristol Archives, and guiding strategic bids to funders including the Heritage Lottery Fund. Commentators from Archives and Records Association and practitioners from National Library of Scotland note benefits in professionalisation, while some smaller providers and community archives associated with organisations like Community Archives and Heritage Group have highlighted resource challenges in meeting requirements. Case studies from institutions including Tyne and Wear Archives and university collections at University of Leeds illustrate improvements in cataloguing, environmental monitoring and public engagement.
Notable accredited institutions
Notable accredited repositories include national bodies such as The National Archives (United Kingdom), national libraries like the British Library, university archives including University of Oxford and University of Cambridge, local services such as London Metropolitan Archives and Manchester Archives and Local Studies, and specialist collections housed by Imperial War Museums, Wellcome Library and National Maritime Museum. Many county record offices—Derbyshire Record Office, Norfolk Record Office and Kent History and Library Centre—also hold accreditation, alongside charitable archives administered by organisations such as the National Trust.